EQ113-15 Sociologies of Education
Introductory description
This module introduces students to key concepts, theories and research in the sociology of education. Taking a plural approach that draws on a range of sociological ideas, the module explores the relationship between educational and social inequalities and discusses important theoretical concepts and debates. Students will consider social class, gender, race, and disability, and employ their ‘sociological imagination’ as we explore and critique contemporary uses of sociological ideas in educational research.
Module aims
- Introduce key concepts, theories and research in the sociology of education
- Identify and understand the historical, political and global issues that the sociology of education addresses
- Explore the relationship between educational and social inequalities
- Examine and critique contemporary uses of sociological ideas in educational research
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Foundations and developments in the sociology of education
- Social Class and the myth of meritocracy
- Gender and children’s experience of school life
- Ethnicity and schooling
- Ableism in education
- Culture, Family and Schooling
- Contemporary theorising in the sociology of education
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand and evaluate concepts and theories in the sociology of education
- Explain the relationship between education and social inequality, drawing on theoretical and empirical examples
- Develop coherent lines of argument that illustrate sound interpretation of relevant theories, concepts, and research findings
- Recognise and examine the value of sociological concepts for educators
Indicative reading list
- Boronski and Hassan (2020) Sociology of Education
- Schneider (2018) Handbook of the Sociology of Education in the 21st Century
- Ainsworth (2013) Sociology of education: an A-to-Z guide
- Simon and Downes (2020) Sociology for education studies: connecting theory, settings and everyday experiences
- Apple, Ball and Gandin (2010) The Routledge international handbook of the sociology of education
- Penner, Nunn, Domina, Gibbs (eds) (2019) Education and Society: An Introduction to Key Issues in the Sociology of Education
- Woodman (2021) This is sociology: a short introduction
- Meghji (2021) Decolonizing sociology: an introduction
- Bustillos-Morales and Abegglen (2020) Understanding Education and Economics: Key Debates and Critical Perspectives
- Ferfolja, Jones-Diaz, & Ullman (2018) Understanding Sociological Theory for Educational Practices (2nd ed.)
- Gewirtz and Cribb (2009) Understanding education: a sociological perspective
- Meighan, Harber, Barton, Siraj, Walker, (2007) A sociology of educating
- Simon and Ward (2020) A student's guide to education studies
- Bartlett (2020) Introduction to Education Studies
- Reay (2017) Miseducation: inequality, education and the working classes
- Tomlinson (2017) A sociology of special and inclusive education: exploring the manufacture of inability
- Tomlinson (2019) Education and race from empire to Brexit
- Martin (2022) Gender and education in England since 1770: a social and cultural history
- Skelton, Francis and Smulyan (2006) The SAGE handbook of gender and education
International
The module is international in the sense that sociologies of education from outside of Western traditions will be engaged with, and examples drawn on throughout the module will come from a range of international contexts.
Subject specific skills
Demonstrate an understanding of:
- the underlying values, theories and concepts relevant to education
- the diversity of learners and the complexities of the education process
- the societal and organisational structures and purposes of educational systems, and the possible implications for learners and the learning process
- critiques of theory, practice and research in the area of education
Transferable skills
Active listening
Analysis and decision making
Communication skills
Confidence
Coordinating with others
Creativity
Critical thinking
Initiative and also follow instructions
Intellectual ability
International cultural awareness
Interpersonal and communication
Judgement and decision making
Management of learning
Managing others/People Management
Motivation, tenacity, commitment
Negotiation
Planning and organisational skills
Team working
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 2 hours (13%) |
| Private study | 85 hours (57%) |
| Assessment | 35 hours (23%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Independent study hours include background reading, completing reading/other tasks in preparation for timetabled teaching sessions, undertaking research using the library resources, follow-up reading work, working on individual and group projects, the completion of formative and summative assignments, revision.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group poster presentation | 25% | 10 hours | No |
|
In small groups, students will prepare an academic poster and discuss this during a 10-minute seminar presentation. Students will choose a topic/theory featured in the first part of the module and relate this to their own educational experiences and values. |
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| Annotated Bibliography | 75% | 25 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Students will write a 1200-word ‘annotated bibliography’ that asks them to critically engage with a selection of research publications (e.g., journal articles) from the module’s taught sessions. A suggested structure will be provided. |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback will be provided using the Education Studies feedback sheet.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UEQA-X35B Undergraduate Education Studies
- Year 1 of UEQA-X35C Undergraduate Education Studies (Intercalated Year)
- Year 1 of UIPA-XL38 Undergraduate Education Studies and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 1 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies